The Bold and Cold: A History of 25 Classic Climbs in the Canadian Rockies

Pullan’s book is not a guidebook, rather, it is a narrative history and illustrated tribute told by the people who risked life and limb to establish these long, difficult, and sometimes scary climbs. Through interviews, articles, journals, and photographs this monumental work takes the reader on a compelling and awe-inspiring trek into the formidable mountains of western Canada.

From long alpine ridges to steep north faces, the Rockies are synonymous with cutting edge ascents. Internationally renowned peaks such as Robson, Chephren, Kitchener, the Twins and Mount Alberta elude the many and reward the few. Many of the big faces were climbed between the 1960s and 1990, the golden age of alpinism in the Rockies. The determined men and women who first embraced these challenges set high standards for every climber who has since dreamt of following their footsteps.

Future alpinists continue to read vintage journals and cherished guidebooks, hoping to one day experience what the pioneering climbers were able to accomplish years ago. The Bold and Cold belongs on every mountaineer’s bookshelf and will serve as inspiration to those who long to scale high peaks and experience the grandeur of Canada’s Rocky Mountains.

Pullan is the editor of Gripped, the Canadian climbing magazine. This book received a Banff Mountain Book Festival 2016 Special Jury Mention.